Lahore again emerges as city with worst air quality
AQI in city of gardens stands at 370
People in Lahore and other cities of the Punjab continue to suffer due to smog, which is showing no sign of abating, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Lahore, the city of gardens, with AQI 370, again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday followed by New Delhi where the AQI stood at 269.
The AQI in Lahore Cantonment stood at 654 followed by Sanda where it was recorded 591.
It was recorded at 531 at Maratab Ali Road; at 513 in Allama Iqbal Town, and at 503 at Askari-10 and its surroundings.
The air quality in other cities of the province, including Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan, was also hazardous.
Crackdown by Punjab Police
On the other hand, Punjab Police have swung into action against the people whose actions are contributing to pollution.
As many as 14 cases have been registered so far, while several people have been arrested.
Besides that, Rs1 million have been imposed in fines on 115 persons, while 53 have been given a warning.
Zero tolerance for smoke-emitting vehicles
The Punjab government has decided not to tolerate smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads.
The province’s Environmental Protection Agency has decided to immediately impound the vehicles without green stickers after November 15.
Besides that, Exhaust Testing of vehicles has also been made mandatory.
DG Environment Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh has said that if any vehicle, sans green sticker, was detected after November 15, it will be seized. “Only environment-friendly vehicles will be allowed to ply on the city’s roads.”
Karachi emerges as fourth most polluted city
Karachi, with AQI 174, was fourth on the list.
The Met Office predicted that the maximum temperature in the port city would fluctuate between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the minimum temperature in the morning was recorded at 25 degrees Celsius.
Winds were blowing from the north-east at a speed of seven kilometers per hour, while the moisture level in the air stood at 42 per cent.
Doctors’ advice during smog
Meanwhile, in view of rise in respiratory and other diseases, doctors have advised people to wear facemasks before stepping out of their homes.
Reporters: Faran Yamin and Ramsha Ismael